A funding announcement for Fond Du Lac aiport is appreciated but long overdue, according to the Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations.

Bobby Cameron was responding to Thursday’s press conference in Saskatoon, during which $12 million in federal funding was announced to assist with upgrades at the northern Saskatchewan airport. The upgrades will include rehabilitating Runway 10-28, Taxiway A, Apron 1, and the airfield lighting system.

“We send congratulations to Fond Du Lac Chief Louis Mercredi and his council and community today as the fight to upgrade this airport has been a long time coming,” Cameron said in a statement. “The community has overcome great tragedy and this funding today will go a long way in ensuring the safety of everyone who utilizes this airport.”